October 4, 2024

Contributed by SEPTA’s SCOPE program.

Last week, SEPTA’s SCOPE program welcomed its largest cohort of Drexel University College of Medicine students, with 21 new participants taking part in a comprehensive orientation. The students, some with EMT and paramedic training, will provide invaluable support to SCOPE outreach workers as they engage with the vulnerable population on the transit system.

SCOPE (Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnership, and Engagement) has been a vital part of SEPTA’s efforts to address homelessness and connect individuals to services. Last year, SCOPE outreach workers had 84,000 engagements with the vulnerable population, and this year they have already surpassed 98,000—a testament to the ongoing success of the program.

The students, part of Drexel's Health Advocacy Practicum, were allowed to select from among 60 community-based sites for their practicum. Of the 268 students who began this year, 21 chose SEPTA/SCOPE. “We are honored that they selected our SCOPE program, and we look forward to a great year together,” said Ken Divers, director of outreach programs, who spoke to the students at their orientation and took them on a tour of SEPTA’s Suburban Station.

"For me, the program will provide valuable experience learning to interact with people in the vulnerable population," said Brett Henshey, a medical student from Kennett Square, Pa., who completed his undergraduate studies at Emory University in neuroscience.

Dom Kelly, who previously worked in an emergency room in Harrisburg, was drawn to SEPTA’s program because of its hands-on approach. “I chose SEPTA's SCOPE program because it was more boots-on-the-ground than some of the other programs,” Kelly shared.

Vivian Bui, who holds a master’s degree in public health with a focus in epidemiology from Berkeley, is particularly interested in the aging homeless population. “I want to explore the effect this will have on the health system,” Bui explained.

The Drexel students will be stationed at key SEPTA locations, such as 69th Street and Suburban Stations, as well as along the Market-Frankford Line. Their work will focus on engaging vulnerable individuals, referring them to services, and providing basic medical supplies, all while gaining firsthand experience in trauma-informed care.

With the addition of this new cohort, SEPTA continues to strengthen its outreach efforts, creating a safer and more supportive transit environment for all riders.